Basketball net



Dec. 18, 1951 a. o. ,GARVE Y BASKETBALL NET Filed Jan. 13, 1950 INVENTOR GEORGE D. GARVEY flwam fwd ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 18, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE I .7 2,579,312 I BASKETBALL NET George D. Garvey, New London, Conn. Application January 13, 1950, Serial No. 138,463

1 Claim.

over the hoop in use, stopping play until freed.

It is a particular object of the present invention, accordingly, to provide a basketball net integrally molded or similarly formed of synthetic organic plastic material in novel form, whereby the aforesaid disadvantages of prior nets are entirely overcome, and a shape-retaining, weather-resistant net of sturdy construction is attained.

Itis a further object of the present invention to provide a basketball net offering improved visibility to players, officials and spectators alike, and so constructed as to be incapable of whipping over the net hoop. Still another object is to provide a net readily and quickly secured to and removed from a hoop. Further objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter. 7

The invention and the novel features thereof may best be made clear from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which: v

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, in place on a conventional net hoop;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the net of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view through one of the hoop-engaging straps of the net, showing details of the fastening means therein, and

Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view corresponding to Figure 3, showing details of alternative fastener structure.

Referring to the drawings, in Figure 1 is shown a reticulate structure substantially frusto-conical in shape, the structure being designated generally as In and including two integrally joined sets of parallel diagonal bands H and II, the band sets being angulated oppositely relative to the axis of the structure and to each other whereby they define together a diamond network. At

(01. are-1'5) the small diameter end of the structure, the diagonal bands'll and ll merge smoothly into an annular strip l2,,disposed with its center on the structure axis. At the large diameter end, in dividual bands I l and l I intersect and are joined intoa plurality of circumferentially spaced Vs I3, from each of which a hoop-engaging strap M extends longitudinally. I

' The large diameter end of structure [0 is properly dimensioned to fit closely within a standard 'hoep l5, and each of the straps l4 isadapted to be curved thereabout back onto itself and fastened, whereby the structure is engaged to and I supported by the hoop. For fastening purposes. an integral button l6 may be provided extending outwardly from the'base of each of the straps, and a slit I! may be provided adjacent the outer strap ends, adapted for fastening engagement with the strap buttons as illustrated in Figure 3. In place of integral buttons. 16, a metal button [8 may be suitably incorporated into the base or each strap, as shown in Figure 4, or if desired cooperating fastener elements other than buttons and slits may be incorporated into the strap bases and ends, any conventional fastening means which does not protrude into the interior of the structure being suitable. Buttons and slits are preferred, however, because of the ease and speed with which they may be engaged and disengaged, and because readily and inexpensively formed or incorporated into a unitary, molded structure.

For strength, simplicity and adequate rigidity, the net structure, including bands H and II, strip l2, straps I l and optionally buttons I6, is preferably formed integrally, as by molding, of suitably flexible and resilient synthetic organic plastic material. A preferred material is vinyl chloride polymer, for example a polyvinyl chloride-acetate copolymer of the following formulation, all parts being by weight:

Parts Vinyl resin 54.0 Filler 10.0 Plasticizer 33.3 Stabilizer 2.0 Lubricant 0.7

Other materials of equivalent properties may be employed, such as polyethylene, polystyrene and silicone rubber. These materials, especially the preferred vinyl resin, are easily molded and confer on the net structure excellent resistance to wear, aging, checking, cracking, heat, cold water, mildew and other atmospheric consequences. If desired, the material of which the net is constructed may be reinforced by fibers or wire, and

permanently colored by filler or other pigment. White color, combined with the particular configuration of the net structure, effects a net of outstanding visibility to players, oflicials and spectators, especially when combined with transparent back boards. The color, of course, is permanent, and remains bright after long usage.

The reticulate structure shown and described, including diagonal bands arranged in a diamond network and joined at their lower ends by an annular strip, permanently retains its shape and returns quickly thereto when deflected. The bands, strip and straps are desirably rectangular in cross section, as shown, and disposed with their long dimensions in the surface of the structure I0, whereby maximum strength, rigidity and visibility are combined. The bottom annular strip l2, in conjunction withthe diamond network of diagonal bands, functions effectively, to. prevent the net from whipping up over the hoop and becoming entangled therein. Additionally, the strip 12 prevents fraying of the bottom of the net, and separation of the bands II and II where joined, contributing substantially to the long useful life thereof.

The Vs I3 and straps 14 extending therefrom provide excellent flexible support for the net, and the straps are adapted as previously described for quick and easy emplacement on and removal from a hoop. The particular strap and fastener structure shown impart a smooth, unbroken inner surface to the net, whereby it cannot interfere with or deflect a basketball hitting the inside of the hoop. The integral construction of the net lends itself to ease and economy of manufacture, as well as to strength and durability.

It will thus be seen that there has been provided by this invention a structure in which the various objects hereinbefore set forth, together with achieved. As various possible embodiments may be made of the mechanical features of the above invention, all without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter hereinbefore set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

A one-piece basketball net comprising a flexible, resilient reticulate structure substantially frusto-conical in shape and composed of synthetic organic plastic material, said tructure including two integrally joined sets of parallel diagonal bands angulated oppositely relative to the axis of said structure and to each other, said band sets merging at the small diameter end of said structure into an annular flat smooth strip that imparts rigidity thereto, said band sets at the large diameter end merging into a plurality of circumferentially spaced Vs, an integral strap extending longitudinally from each of said Vs, fastening means incorporated into the base of each of said straps, and complementary fastening means incorporated into the outer end of each of said straps, said net bein constructed and arranged to retain its shape when exposed to all kinds of change in weather conditions.

' GEORGE D. GARVEY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 15,739 Jackson Jan. 8, 1924 1,190,186 Mashek July 4, 1916 1,345,750 Beaumont July 6, 1920 1,509,616 Sinkey et a1 Sept. 23, 1924 2,095,481 Skopec Oct. 12, 1927 2,199,609 Bennett May '7, 1940 

